From the Editor

Last Updated Mar 10, 2026, 1:01am EDT

  • James Cameron has directed three of the four highest-grossing movies of all time in 'Titanic,' 'Avatar' and 'Avatar: The Way of Water.' In total, his films have grossed almost $9 billion at the global box office.
  • Cameron's big break came with 1984's 'The Terminator,' a script he sold for $1 with the promise that he'd be allowed to direct.
  • At the 1998 Academy Awards, Cameron won Best Director, Best Editing and Best Picture for 'Titanic,' quoting his own movie from the stage: "I'm the king of the world!"
  • On the production of 'Avatar,' Cameron developed--often at his own expense--new film technology such as a 3D camera system, head rigs for facial capture technology and a simulcam system that allowed him to see his actors rendered in digital environments in real time.
  • When 'Avatar' earned nearly $3 billion at the box office, and millions more in DVD sales and streaming, Cameron earned an estimated $350 million before taxes and fees.
  • Cameron is also a renowned deep sea adventurer, making several dives to the real life Titanic crash site and becoming the first solo expeditioner to travel to the lowest point of the Mariana Trench.

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Personal Stats

Age
72
Source of Wealth
Movies, Self Made
Residence
Wellington, New Zealand
Citizenship
Canada
Marital Status
Married
Children
4
Education
Drop Out, Fullerton College
Did you know
Dozens of UK celebrities, including David Beckham, Sacha Baron Cohen, Peter Gabriel and Guy Ritchie, collectively earned millions as investors in 'Avatar.'
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